Run Forest, Run…and Tackle!
Retired PSD Forest started tackling crime (pun intended) with RCMP Cst. Bartley in Port Alberni, BC, but soon moved to Calgary to team up with his one and only Alberta-based partner, Corporal Decelles.
Forest is a one man dog – he loves Cpl. Decelles above all others and has retired with his family in Cochrane, AB, where he now walks the trails, ensuring each bush, park and pathway has been well sniffed and searched. Forest is a big lad – 105 lbs at his peak weight, with huge paws and ears, all of which implied a negative outcome for any law breakers. Indeed, one brandishing a knife discovered that Forest’s mass and velocity provided enough force to send the knife and the suspect flying off in different directions. Forest was a much loved member of the RCMP’s Emergency Response Team and still searches all vehicles on his street, keeping it safe for his neighbourhood friends Zoë and Walter
One of Forest’s most memorable episodes was in the summer of 2021, when he was on the trail of a murder suspect who’d eluded capture for months. Following a vehicle pursuit, the suspect and an accomplice tried to evade police by ditching their vehicle and fleeing on foot. Forest was released to apprehend the wanted killer and his approach was fast and, as far as the suspect was concerned, stealthy, for the next thing he knew he was knocked to the ground by a ‘fur missile.’ The accomplice, thinking himself smarter than the average police dog, decided to hide in a tree, which is where Forest kept him until partners with opposing thumbs could arrive to apply handcuffs.
Forest howls like a wolf when he hears a police siren. He searches all visitors to the house prior to allowing them entrance – which everyone goodnaturedly accepts, not that his size and powerful presence leave them much choice! He likes the back door open so he can survey his domain at will; he doesn’t like sharing his food but requires anyone with potato chips to hand some over.
Forest’s career took its toll and he suffers from spine degeneration, which means he struggles to maintain stability in his hind legs. His brain is still active and focused but his body can’t keep up. He walks on mostly flat pathways now with his Mom, who ensures he doesn’t tire out too much. He can still jump onto small couches or steps but struggles to climb into the family truck for adventures away from home. Now, he uses a ramp so he can continue to check out new places and ensure they’re safe for his beloved forever family.